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Print7 Healthcast: Corneal transplant
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A New England woman has new hope thanks to a local doctor who helped restore her sight after a horrific accident. We should warn you, the pictures you are about to see are graphic. 7’s Frances Rivera has the remarkable story in tonight's health cast.
Carmen Tarleton, 41, of Vermont suffered an unspeakable act at the hands of her now ex-husband.
He doused her with lye, causing her to be burned over 92 percent of her body, and robbing her of her sight.
Carmen Tarleton had artificial corneal transplants.
Carmen Tarleton, corneal transplant patient
"My eyes were closed, they closed my eyes with skin when my injury happened and I didn't have any sight at all for a year and a half."
Dr. Samir Melki of the Boston Eye Group says he has never seen an injury so severe.
Dr. Samir Melki, Boston Eye Group
"Most of the time when we see injuries we see injuries to only one eye, and the other will be spared. In this case, it was quite extensive in both eyes.”
Despite the prognosis, he was able to partially restore Carmen's sight after performing artificial corneal transplants.
The procedure was developed right here in Boston.
Dr. Samir Melki, Boston Eye Group
"It's an operation that takes about an hour to do, and we remove the central part of the cornea where the disease is and put the new cornea on with stitches.”
For Carmen, the procedure was a success.
Carmen Tarleton, corneal transplant patient
"I could actually see big letters on like on like cereal boxes and whatnot, and able to read under a special machine with a monitor they have for me at home so I can read and I can pay my bills and those types of things."
She now looks to the future with hope.
Carmen Tarleton, corneal transplant patient
"I know in my lifetime I’ll probably end up even with better vision than I have now."
Dr. Melki says Carmen's positive outlook played a key role.
Dr. Samir Melki, Boston Eye Group
"It's probably one of the most difficult situations I’ve had to deal with, and she has been always so upbeat and positive, and I think that was very much something that had helped her in her recovery, and has allowed her to get where she is today."
The procedure has been performed on about 800 patients since it was developed. The operation is covered by insurance.
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